Ambient light photo sensor extends battery life in portable devices

San Jose, Calif.  Avago Technologies has introduced a miniature surface-mount ambient light photo sensor for controlling display backlighting in a wide range of portable electronic devices. The low-cost APDS-9008, which is designed to approximate the spectral response curve of the human eye, reduces power consumption to extend battery life in mobile phones, PDAs, notebook computers, TVs, video and digital still cameras.

The RoHS-compliant APDS-9008 analog-output ambient light photo sensor is available in a lead-free miniature chipLED surface-mount package that measures 0.55 x 1.60 x 1.50 mm. The sensor offers a wide voltage range from 1.6 volts to 5.5 volts and incorporates a spectrally suited photo sensor, which is said to provide excellent responsivity. The device targets designers of applications that require the measurement of ambient light to control display backlighting power consumption. Applications include mobile phones and PDAs that draw heavy current for backlit LCD displays.

The APDS-9008 is a pin-to-pin compatible alternative to Avago's APDS-9005 and provides designers with a miniature ambient light sensor that can work at a much lower Vcc of 1.6 V. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C.

Pricing: Starts at $0.60 in minimum quantities of 2,500.
Availability: Samples and production quantities are available now.
Product information: APDS-9008